Matlab

How to Stop a Code in MATLAB

MATLAB is a powerful programming language for mathematical computing. However, sometimes you may need to stop a code that is running. In MATLAB we have different methods for stopping a running script or command window code.

This article covers below given ways of stopping a MATLAB code:

How to Stop a Code with Ctrl+C in MATLAB

The quickest way to stop a code in MATLAB is to press Ctrl+C. This will interrupt the current line of code and stop code execution.

Example Code

x = 1;

y = 2;

while true

z = x + y;

end

While the code is running, you can press Ctrl+C in the MATLAB command window to stop the execution.

A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated

How to Stop a Code with the Return Function in MATLAB

The return function stops the execution of a function or script. The return function takes a single argument, which is the value that you want to return from the function or script.

Below is syntax of stopping a code using return in MATLAB:

function f()

return(1);

end

Example Code

Here in below MATLAB code, calling the myFunction() will execute the code and return the value of z. The return statement stops the execution at any point inside a function.

function result = myFunction()

x = 1;

y = 2;

z = x + y;

result = z;

return;

end

How to Stop a Code with the Quit Function in MATLAB

The quit function can be used to stop the current MATLAB session. This will stop the execution of any code that is currently running.

Example Code

Below MATLAB code will stop the current MATLAB session:

x = 1;

y = 2;

z = x + y;

quit;

Executing this code will stop the current MATLAB session immediately after calculating z.

Note: Please note that using the quit function should be done with caution as it terminates the MATLAB session abruptly, and any unsaved data or variables will be lost.

Stop a Code Using GUI Stop Button in MATLAB

We have a Stop button in the MATLAB editor window just like we have the Run button. Using this button, we can stop a running code.

Conclusion

MATLAB has different ways of stopping the code. The quickest method is to use Ctrl+C, which stops the code execution immediately. The return function can be used within a function or script to halt the execution and return a specific value. The quit function terminates the entire MATLAB session abruptly, so it should be used with caution. However, we also have a GUI stop button in the editor window to easily halt a running code.

About the author

Kashif

I am an Electrical Engineer. I love to write about electronics. I am passionate about writing and sharing new ideas related to emerging technologies in the field of electronics.